Viral Ozoro Festival Incident: Isoko North Chair Condemns Harassment of Women, Vows to Bring Perpetrators to Justice

Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. (Elder) Prince Godwin Ogorugba, has condemned in a strong term the public molestation of women by some youths in Ozoro during the town’s festival.

A video which has gone viral on social media shown some youths allegedly celebrating their sexual escapade with women ‘during the ‘naughty festival’, a development which Ogorugba has since condemned and described as “inhumane, mundane and totally unacceptable.”

Ogorugba vowed to go after the perpetrators of the condemnable and barbaric act to serve as deterrent to others in the land.

Reports say some youths in Ozoro kingdom, headquarters of Isoko North council hiding under the guise of the kingdom’s festival on Thursday molested, harassed and assaulted several women.

Reacting to the incident, the Isoko North council chairman, condemned the act, saying it is sacrilegious and barbaric for the youths to hide under any form to molest and assault harmless and innocent women during the kingdom’s festival.

“The act is unacceptable, shameful, and completely at variance with the custom and values of the Isoko people”, he said.

Ogorugba stated that security agencies are already scrutinising the videos already circulating on the social media to identify the elements masquerading as youths that carried out the dastardly act against women during the kingdom’s festival.

The council chairman while expressing disappointment over the act, stated that there was no official notification or approval from community leadership for any such festival, making the incident even more troubling.

“It is disheartening that young people, who should represent the pride and future of our society, would engaged in acts that degrade and violate the dignity of women, our mothers and sisters for just no cause.

“No cultural or social activity justifies, any form of molestation, harassment, intimidation and misconduct. Every individual, indigene or non-indigenes deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and protected under the law. Not under my watch should this barbaric take place.”

According to the council chairman, he’s already working closely with security agencies, who are in possession of relevant evidence and are currently reviewing the situation and assured the public that all those found culpable would be identified and brought to justice.

Ogorugba however called for calm and urged residents to exercise restraint and allow the law to take its course, warning that Isoko North under his administration will not tolerate any act that undermines public safety, decency, and human dignity.

“We are a peaceful and accommodating people, but we will not allow a few individuals to tarnish the image of our land. This unfortunate incident must serve as a lesson, and such behaviour will not be condoned under any circumstances.”, the council chairman warned.